Representation

Supporting our members by representing their interests to government and others in the public and private sector

As a Board, we have made a commitment to representing the interests of membership through as many channels, and with as many stakeholders as we can as we know that new opportunities are important in helping to define all our futures.

Here’s a few ways that we have showcased our unique national network of credible, quality assured enterprise support organisations during the last quarter.

July – September 2018

We have had a busy summer here at the National Enterprise Network, on a number of fronts. We have continued to lobby Government on behalf of members engaging with BEIS consultations on Productivity but also writing to the Secretary of State about the value of a National Business Start Up Programme. We are awaiting a response but there seems to be mixed messages coming out from Government about business support.

You may have read an article in The Sun suggesting that the New Enterprise Allowance scheme may be closed down, but we have also heard that the DWP is supportive of continuing the programme (albeit with some changes). We believe that when delivered well (for instance by our members), NEA is a valuable scheme and that it should be continued. We are lobbying with other organisations in support of its continuation.

We also entered two Proof of Concepts bids to the Governments Business Basics programme which was established to promote Productivity. Although it may be unlikely that the bids will attract funding, we believe that it will help to raise the profile of the support provided by members.

NEN has however been successful in partnering with international colleagues on two Erasmus funded projects. Inception meetings will be held in the Autumn and we will provide an update on projects and how members can get involved as the projects unfold.

Being a member of NEN not only validates our work in building and fostering enterprise, but connects us with likeminded organisations where we can collaborate and influence the sector.

Stephen Waud, Chief Executive, Business Enterprise Fund

The strategic added value of being a NEN member and supporter is significantly important to Menta for three reasons. Firstly, it enables us to be nationally recognised. Secondly, it gives us the BEIS accreditation and quality standard. And thirdly, it gives us the opportunity to work with like-minded CEOs from across the country to share ideas and best practice.

Alex Till, Chief Executive Officer, Menta

NEN offers us opportunities that we cannot get elsewhere, and this enables us to offer enhanced support to our clients. It’s great to be part of a network that offers so much and to see how us and other enterprise agencies are making such an impact is fantastic.

Leanne Pilkington, Finance Manager, Finance For Enterprise

AES has been a member of NEN for a number of years and we really feel like it is one big family. If we have a problem or an issue we can rely on the support of NEN to help us out. The NEN team work really hard to make sure our sector is recognised by government and other organisations that influence policy on business support.

Wendy Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Airedale Enterprise Services

Portobello Business Centre has been a member of the NEN since the start – we’ve always found strength and support from the membership whenever we’ve asked for it.

Allen Pluck, Chief Executive, Portobello Business Centre

NEN provides a great platform for networking and sharing experiences with other enterprise agencies and business support providers. It also helps in raising the business support sector’s profile and position with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and senior government decision makers – all of which helps us to continue to help start-ups and small businesses.

Geoff Ranson, Special Projects, StartUp Croydon

Without NEN we would really feel alone. NEN makes us feel part of something much wider than just us in Scarborough. It links us with other organisations with the same ethos and goals, but ones that also face the same challenges. Together we are stronger.

Jennifer Crowther, Head of Yorkshire in Business

At first, we weren’t convinced that we would get good value for money from being NEN Associates but we have been proved wrong. We have built some great relationships with other members and last years conference, and CEO round table, were worth the membership fee alone.